Welcome!
We’re so glad you’re here!
If you are considering or planning to include HUMC as a part of your special day, you’re in the right place! This page will provide you with all the information you need, and we would be honored to host you, your family, and friends for the big day!
Planning a wedding and preparing for marriage is an exciting time in a couple’s journey. Our community at Hilliard United Methodist Church is ready to serve those who want to be united in Christian marriage. We view a marriage ceremony as a celebratory worship service that honors and commemorates the holy commitment of a chosen marriage between two people.
The Christian wedding ceremony at Hilliard United Methodist Church is rooted in the belief that marriage is a gift from God for all people. As the church, we strive to equip couples to have lifelong, loving, covenantal, and flourishing marriages. To this end, our pastors take a great deal of care in preparing each couple who is to be married at Hilliard UMC. This includes the requirement for all couples who are to be married to attend four pre-marital counseling sessions with a pastor.
We believe that interfaith and LGBTQIA+ weddings are consistent with the United Methodist understanding of marriage.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Read this page
Read through the information on this page to see if HUMC is a good fit for you.
Step 2: Look at our pricing
Take a look at our pricing for members and non-members. Your total cost will depend on the options you choose.
Step 3: Complete the Wedding Request Form
Fill out the Wedding Request Form.
Step 4: Our staff will reach out
Our staff will contact you to confirm date and pastor’s availability.
Step 5: Deposit
Pay $100 deposit to secure your date. Include your full name and wedding date in the “Designation” box.
Step 6: Start the process!
- Meet with your officiant (one of our pastors)
- Sign paperwork
- Schedule premarital counseling sessions
- Establish wedding timeline
Eligibility
Official HUMC members and people who are directly involved in our church community are eligible to have weddings with HUMC. Because of time and staff constraints, we cannot perform weddings for couples that we do not have a direct relationship with in some capacity.
Premarital Counseling & Pastoral Care
You will work directly with one of our pastors as you prepare for your upcoming marriage. You may choose to request a specific pastor or have one assigned to you.
Premarital Counseling
During the months leading up to your official wedding day, your pastor will lead you and your partner through premarital counseling. Premarital counseling is required with our church because we believe this time is sacred and foundational in helping you prepare for the commitment of marriage. Our process of premarital counseling is a minimum of four sessions.
Marriage Ceremony & Rehearsal
Your pastor will work with you to plan your wedding ceremony. Your pastor will officiate your ceremony, as well as perform a rehearsal prior to your big day.
HUMC Wedding Coordinator
When you have a wedding here at HUMC, you will be assigned an HUMC Wedding Coordinator. The Wedding Coordinator will work with you to plan all of the details and logistics of your rehearsal and wedding ceremony.
Planning a wedding requires many details not only for the couple, but also for us on the church level. Your HUMC Wedding Coordinator will be a liaison for communication to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible on your special day.
Sanctuary & Reception Spaces
Our Sanctuary can accommodate a guest list of up to 250 people. If you are also interested in having your reception at the church, the capacity is 100.
There is no alcohol permitted onsite at Hilliard United Methodist Church.
Wedding Request Form
After reading through this information, if you’re interested in having your wedding with us, fill out our wedding request form above (Step 3).
Wedding Policies & Planning Booklet
Please download and read through all of this information carefully. Once you clearly understand our policies, you are required to print and sign the Wedding Policy Agreement, located on the last page, and turn in to the church office to reserve your date.
Frequently Asked Questions
My parents are HUMC members. Does this make me eligible to have a wedding here?
Yes, it does! Below is how we choose to define members and non-members that are eligible to have weddings with us.
- Member is defined as:
- One who has attended the required membership classes (Discover Hilliard UMC & Engage), has taken their membership vows, and is on our most recent membership roster and/or someone directly involved with the ministries of the church, such as regularly attending worship or small groups.
- Non-members who can host weddings here include:
- One who occasionally worships or attends small groups but has not yet completed Discover Hilliard UMC & Engage or taken formal vows of membership.
- The parent of the bride or groom is an official member of Hilliard UMC.
How much does it cost to have a wedding at HUMC?
Who would my officiant be? Can I choose which HUMC pastor to work with?
Couples are able to request who their officiant will be, and the pastor may agree based on his or her availability. If you do not have a preferred pastor in mind, we will assign one to you.
Do you allow weddings for the LGBTQIA+ community? What about interfaith marriages?
We believe that interfaith and LGBTQIA+ weddings are consistent with the United Methodist understanding of marriage. We welcome you to celebrate your special day with us.
Can I have someone officiate my ceremony at HUMC who isn’t Pastor April or Pastor Jon?
If you’re interested in having another pastor who is not affiliated with HUMC perform your wedding, we require that the pastor be a credentialed clergyperson who is licensed to marry in the state of Ohio. This also needs pre-approval from our Lead Pastor (Pastor April).
Do I have to have an HUMC Wedding Coordinator assigned to me, even if I have my own Wedding Planner?
Yes. Because our Wedding Coordinator helps us to coordinate the wedding details on the church level, you have to have one working with you. Our Wedding Coordinators can help communicate information with your Wedding Planner, too.